CNN —
Brazil, the favorite to win this year’s World Cup, is out of Qatar 2022 after losing to Croatia on penalties 1-1 (4-2) in Friday’s dramatic quarterfinal.
It had looked as though Neymar had won it for Brazil after he scored a stunning solo goal in extra-time – tying Pele’s international scoring record for the Seleção with his 77th goal – but Bruno Petković broke Brazilian hearts with a last-gasp equalizer to send the game to penalties.
It was Croatia’s goalkeeper Dominik Livaković who was the hero yet again in the shootout, saving Rodrygo’s first effort before defender Marquinhos saw his attempt hit the post which sent Croatia through to the semifinals. Livaković also saved three penalties in his side’s victory against Japan in the previous round.
It was dizzying end to another remarkable game in Qatar which took until extra-time to really get going.
After it dazzling display against South Korea in the round of 16, Brazil was taken into the trenches by Croatia.
The game was largely reduced to scrappy half chances and resolute defending as Livaković saved twice from Neymar to keep the scores level in the second half.
With neither side able to find the breakthrough, the match went into extra-time which automatically favored Croatia.
At the World Cup in 2018, Zlatko Dalić’s team won three knockout rounds after forcing the game into extra-time and it beat Japan on penalties in the previous round in Qatar.
But it looked as though Neymar had upset that particular script when he produced arguably the moment of the tournament so far.
The star attacker dropped deep to pick up the ball before splitting the Croatian defense with two bounce passes with teammates before firing his effort into the roof of the net.
The goal sparked frenzied celebration inside the Education City Stadium with Neymar close to tears after seemingly inspiring his side into the semifinals.
But football can be cruel and Croatia never gave up.
In the 116th minute, Petković stunned Brazil by sweeping home the equalizer and forcing the game into penalties.
Despite being captain and his team’s star player, Neymar did not take a penalty with Croatia scoring all of its efforts before Brazil could take its fifth.
Croatia will now face either Argentina or the Netherlands for a place in the World Cup final, while Brazil will be left to come to terms with another missed opportunity.
Brazilian fans looked stunned at the full-time whistle while tears flowed from the players on the pitch.